The Beginning of the Modern World
A. Fill in the blanks:
1. The Modern Age in India began with the conquest of India by the British.
2. India was ruled by the British for nearly 200 years.
3. The two kinds of source materials for the modern period are primary sources and secondary sources.
4. The Renaissance ushered revolutionary changes in Europe and marked the transition from the medieval age to modern age.
5. The four characteristics features of the Renaissance are humanism, rationalism, scientific spirit and spirit of inquiry.
B. Match the following:
=
C. Choose the correct option:
1. In India the modern period is generally regarded as having begin in the (mid 15th/mid 18th/mid 16th) century.
2. The primary sources for the study of the modern period are preserved in (archives/banks/factories).
3. The wealthy merchant and the professional class consisting of doctors lawyers teachers etc. formed the (upper class/middle class/lower class).
4. The invention of the (printing press/telegraph/telephone) helped to spread the ideas of the Renaissance thinkers far and wide.
5. Martin Luther was an (Italian/a German/ a French) Christian Monk.
D. State whether the following statements are true or false:
1. The source materials of the modern period are of two kinds - primary and secondary.[T]
2. Primary sources of history includes books, reviews, reports and articles.[F]
3. Renaissance Scholars shifted the focus from divine affairs to human affairs.[T]
4. The voyages of Discovery is lead to a decline of trade and Commerce.[F]
5. The reformation was also known as the protestant movement.[T]
E. Answer the following questions:
1. The history of most nations can be divided into a number of periods. Name them.
= The history of most Nations can be divided into three periods - ancient, medieval and modern.
2. What distinguishes one historical period from another?
= Some characteristics - political, economic, religious and social - distinguish one historical period from another.
3. In what way the classifications of historical periods useful to us?
= The classification helps to bring a sense of order of historical events that have taken place over centuries.
4. When did the modern period began in Europe and India?
= In Europe the modern period started in the 15th century.
In India the modern period started in the mid 18th century.
5. Mention any four characteristics features of the modern period.
= Four characteristic features of the modern period are - i) humanism, ii) nationalism, iii) urbanization and iv) industrialization.
6. Mention any two primary and secondary source materials of the modern period.
= Two primary source materials of the Modern period are -
i)Historical Works By contemporary historians.
ii) Artistic works like painting sketches and drawings.
Two secondary source materials of the modern period are -
i) books and
ii)reviews.
7. Why is it important to study developments in Europe to understand the history of modern India?
= The modern period of India started from the conquest of India by the British. To understand the impact of British rule on Indian history, it is important to study developments in Europe.
8. What is the meaning of Renaissance?
= Renaissance means 'rebirth' and 'revival'. It was an advent of new and powerful ideas.
9. What is meant by the Reformation?
= Reformation was protest movement against the Catholic Church with a view to reform it.
10. What do you understand by Nation States?
= Nation States were strong and independent countries in the 14th century Europe. They were united under one government or ruler.
F. Long answer questions:
1. The capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks lead to the beginning of Renaissance in Europe. With reference to the statement answer the following questions:
i) How did it lead to the revival of classical Greek and Roman learning in Europe?
= After the capture of Constantinople by the Ottoman Turks, a large number of Greek Scholars fled from Constantinople to Europe with rare manuscripts. They were great Scholars of Greek and Roman learning. They were welcomed by the rulers of Rome, Florence, Milan and Venice. Libraries and Universities were set up to promote modern learning.
ii) What effect did it have on the outlook and attitudes of the people of Europe?
= The people of Europe started to challenge and question against the old ideas of the Church and their Kings. They refused to blindly accept the orders of the king and the Church. They demanded to know the truth based on logic and reason.
iii) What effect did it have on trade?
= The Renaissance increased the spirit of exploration and discovery. Great voyages of exploration were undertaken leading to great discoveries of new routes and new lands. These discoveries lead to a steady growth of trade and Commerce.
2. With reference to the causes of the Reformation, how did the following contribute to the movement?
i) Renaissance:
= The Renaissance had altered the pattern of thinking and outlook of the people. It had set the powerful ideas of humanism, rationalism and scientific spirit and the spirit of inquiry. The teachings of the Church was rejected and its authority was challenged. After the invention of the printing press, The Bible was translated from Latin to regional languages. Everybody came to know the real facts about the teachings of the Bible.
ii) Evil practices of the Roman Catholic Church:
= With the passage of time the Clergy and Pope began to lead immoral lives of luxury, wealth and comfort. They owned nearly one-third of the landed property in Europe. They applied various taxes such as 'tithe' and 'Peter's Pence' on all European Christians. Bribery and corruption became common. The Church started to sale 'indulgences' as a 'passport to heaven'.
iii) Rise of strong and powerful rulers:
= With the decline of feudalism in Europe strong rulers emerged. They refused the authority of the Pope and refused to let him interfere in the administrative affairs. They refused the papal taxes and the drain of their wealth to Rome in the form of papal taxes.